BOLTON West MP Julie Hilling has joined local residents in their bid to reinstate the butterfly house and exotic animals at a local mini zoo.

The popular Animal World attraction is currently undergoing drastic changes following savage central cuts to the Bolton Council budget.

But, local residents have formed the Animal World Conservative Action Group (AWCAG) and this week Ms Hilling a tour of the site and ran through their ideas for attracting revenue to keep the popular attraction open.

They hope to use alternative funds to develop an education and conservation hub and set up a café/ gift shop.

AWCAG invited local school children to take part in designing paper butterflies to show their support and their desire to keep the butterfly facility open.

Ms Hilling said: “I fully support the bid by residents to save this popular local attraction. It would be a real shame if Animal World lost its zoo status, particularly given its conservation and educational potential. I have pledged to do all that I can to give my backing to their bid.”

Residents wishing to get involved with the project should call 07845 869 246 or email AWCAG@hotmail.co.uk or to follow the campaign on twitter, follow AWCAG.